MORE than 50 jobs are expected to be created by companies moving to a new £3.5m industrial site under construction in Holyhead.

Four 4,000 sq ft units suitable for manufacturing and service sector businesses are already being built on Penrhos Industrial Estate.

The project, which has been funded by European Objective 1, Welsh Development Agency and Anglesey County Council, is due for completion towards the end of this year.

More land is due to be released next year for companies wanting to build their own premises.

Economic development portfolio holder Coun Gareth Winston Roberts said: "We want to attract inward investment to Anglesey and suitable sites like this one are vital if we're to succeed. Attracting new businesses and jobs to the area will also help raise the island's gross domestic product.

"I understand there have already been expressions of interest shown in the new units by a number of companies. Negotiations are still at a very early stage, but this interest is to be welcomed."

European Objective 1 funding totalling more than £1.3m was secured to help build the units, necessary infrastructure and roads on the site, which is adjacent to the Holyhead and Penrhos Retail Parks.

The exact number of jobs that will be created will depend on the types of companies attracted, but WDA sources indicated that it could be 50 or more.

The council's economic development unit will begin marketing the estate later in the year and also plans to hold an open day so companies can see the site.

Doug Barnes, the council's principal development officer for infrastructure, said the four units at Penrhos would be council-owned and leased to tenants, but the industrial estate will be extended early next year with the sale to businesses of serviced plots of half-an-acre or more for self-build.